Hello, sweet Heron!

You're now a year and a half and definitely a full-blown toddler! You're running around (clumsily, as always), climbing up on every surface you can find, messily trying to eat with a spoon and drink from a real cup, picking silly fights and throwing ridiculous tantrums, copying everything your we do (especially your big brother!), sleeping in your own big boy toddler bed, and always craving attention. It is fun but you tire me out so much!

You've started saying a few new words and phrases this month. You'll now say (and point to) eye, nose, mouth, & ear and also started saying no, nite-nite, down, baby, eat, upstairs, and I'm sure I've left out a few others. I think you're a little ahead of where Rhino was at this age, but I'm sure it's because he just blabs to you all day long! I'm pretty sure your big brother is your favorite person, though. If he's doing something silly, like sucking on his toes, you'll join right in and laugh and laugh! You love to chase him (and be chased) around the train table or race your hobby horses. He is sweet to you and always makes sure to share snacks with you (even though usually he expects you to share back and you don't!) I'm so glad that the two of you are close in age because now we can see that you'll have so much fun playing together!

 

Your month was very exciting: we had Christmas! This year was much more fun for you than last year. You didn't care too much about ripping open the wrapping paper, but you really did love what was hidden underneath! You received a Woody (cowboy sheriff) doll that I think was your favorite gift. You think putting his hat on his head is so funny! You also have played out in the snow for the first time (last year you were just too little.) You're not too thrilled about the cold stuff, so I guess I have more fun than you when we go out! You've also attended a lot of playgroups lately. You've been to plenty in the past, but never did participate much. Now you enjoy dancing to the songs, painting (a little bit), munching on snacks, listening to stories and, most of all, watching all the other kids.

We can tell that you're developing some favorites. Baby dolls are a big hit (we got you a cute little baby that you're always asking for, in preparation for the real little baby in a few months!) You seem to like underwater scenes and will choose fishy books more often than anything else. You love anything sweet (no surprise!), bananas, oatmeal, any and noodles (mostly long noodles like yakisoba and udon, though.) You like to play with instruments and are tons of fun with a xylophone or some maracas! You also like to sing for us! It's fun now that you're developing your own little personality more. You're such a character and so much fun to play with!

As always, I'm looking forward to another fun month with you!

Love,

Mommy